Monash strengthening the allied health workforce in Sunraysia-Mallee region
Monash University
Monash University is strengthening the rural health workforce across Sunraysia and the Mallee, with a purpose-built course to train allied health professionals who will stay on in the region.
The Bachelor of Allied Health will launch in Mildura in 2027 with discipline pathways for students to become occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists.
The latest data from the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria shows a sustained high need for occupational therapists, podiatrists and physiotherapists across Northern Victoria.
Professor Terry Haines AM, Head of Monash School of Primary and Allied Health Care, said the graduates would fill much needed positions in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, private practice, community health centres, schools, social services, aged care, government agencies and disability services.
“The national shortage of allied health professionals is felt most acutely in rural and regional communities,” Professor Haines said.
“By bringing this degree to Mildura, we will create opportunities for local people who will stay in these communities after graduation.
“We are also hoping to attract new people to the region, who will come to study, embed themselves in the community, and stay on long term.”
Students in The Bachelor of Allied Health will study on site at the Monash University School of Rural Health site, based within Mildura’s medical precinct, in addition to clinical placements at health services across the community.
The degree has been co‑designed with local industry partners, including Mildura Base Public Hospital (MBPH), to ensure graduates are prepared to work confidently across a wide range of healthcare settings.
MBPH Interim Chief Executive Matthew Jukes welcomed the partnership.
“Our Allied Health team is an integral part of our care delivery, we are excited to partner with Monash to help ensure graduates are well prepared to work and build their careers locally,” he said.
“Growing a sustainable allied health workforce will also support our ability to build services and provide more care closer to home for our communities across Mallee.”
The launch of the Bachelor of Allied Health comes as the University is assessing applications for the second year of the new Monash Mildura GP Academy.
Funded by the Federal Government, the Monash Mildura GP Academy is training the next generation of rural and regional doctors through a dedicated primary care pathway for 10 students a year to study local and stay local.
Professor Shane Bullock, Head of the Monash School of Rural Health, said both courses were a signal of the University’s commitment to improving the health outcomes of rural and regional communities.
“The goal here is more than just education, we are working to drive long-term change across the whole community,” Professor Bullock said.
“With more than 20 years as a part of the Mildura community, we understand the unique needs of the local health system and we have a demonstrated track record of working hard alongside hospitals and other health service partners to meet those needs.
“In coming years, as these students graduate and enter the workforce, we expect that it is going to be a game-changer for the entire region.”
Find out more about the Bachelor of Allied Health: http://www.monash.edu/study/course/m2022
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